On October 23, 2023, Adrian Merdzan, ISAC Staff Lawyer, joined a panel of experts on an Osgoode Hall Law School Professional Development webinar to discuss the Canada Disability Benefit. Adrian joined the first of two…
On November 2, the Ontario Government released the 2023 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, titled “Building a Strong Ontario Together”. Aside from a provision for low‐income seniors, the Review contains glaring omissions in recognizing…
Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) offer a monthly Guide Dog Benefit for routine care of a guide dog. Those on social assistance could receive $84 per month only if the…
When an Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipient turns 65, they may qualify for Old Age Security (OAS) benefits. In addition, OAS recipients with low income may also receive additional income support via the Guaranteed…
TORONTO, ON – Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients will see a slight increase to their July social assistance cheques due to an inflation-related increase to basic needs and maximum shelter allowances. The Income Security…
For the fifth year in a row, Ontario Works (OW) incomes remain stagnant and well below the official poverty line for every family type. The provincial government did not make any increases to OW benefit…
On Thursday, March 23, following Finance Minister Bethlenfalvy’s Speech from the Throne, the Provincial 2023-2024 Budget was introduced. Released shortly after the three-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Budget contained few provisions to support…
In a typical year, provincial budget season lasts from January to early Spring, and includes pre-budget and budget submission periods, meetings, and hearings. On February 13, 2023, ISAC’s Senior Policy Analyst, Devorah Kobluk, spoke at…
When a person living with disabilities receives Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income support, they have a responsibility to pursue other government benefits that they may be eligible for. ODSP may withhold income support to…
The Income Security Advocacy Centre and the Grey Bruce Community Legal Clinic recently represented an ODSP recipient who required two caregivers to assist her with her day-to-day activities and literacy-based support. ODSP believed that one of these…
In a typical year, provincial budget season lasts from January to early Spring, and includes pre-budget and budget submission periods, meetings, and hearings. ISAC’s Senior Policy Analyst, Devorah Kobluk, was invited to present to MPP…
The Income Security Advocacy Centre and Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic recently worked together to represent a former healthcare worker receiving Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) benefits who desired to work sometime in the future (even in…